EP1530526B1 - Circuit for selectively producing switching signals - Google Patents

Circuit for selectively producing switching signals Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1530526B1
EP1530526B1 EP03750416A EP03750416A EP1530526B1 EP 1530526 B1 EP1530526 B1 EP 1530526B1 EP 03750416 A EP03750416 A EP 03750416A EP 03750416 A EP03750416 A EP 03750416A EP 1530526 B1 EP1530526 B1 EP 1530526B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
user
signal
accordance
switching
fact
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP03750416A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1530526A2 (en
Inventor
Stefan Donat
Wolfgang Richter
Peter Rosenbeck
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Microchip Technology Germany GmbH
Original Assignee
Ident Technology AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from DE2002138134 external-priority patent/DE10238134A1/en
Priority claimed from DE2003105341 external-priority patent/DE10305341A1/en
Priority claimed from DE10305342A external-priority patent/DE10305342B4/en
Priority claimed from DE2003115845 external-priority patent/DE10315845B4/en
Application filed by Ident Technology AG filed Critical Ident Technology AG
Publication of EP1530526A2 publication Critical patent/EP1530526A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1530526B1 publication Critical patent/EP1530526B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R25/00—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
    • B60R25/20—Means to switch the anti-theft system on or off
    • B60R25/2027—Means to switch the anti-theft system on or off with data signals passing through the human body
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/01—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents
    • B60R21/015—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents including means for detecting the presence or position of passengers, passenger seats or child seats, and the related safety parameters therefor, e.g. speed or timing of airbag inflation in relation to occupant position or seat belt use
    • B60R21/01512—Passenger detection systems
    • B60R21/01516—Passenger detection systems using force or pressure sensing means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
    • G07C9/00174—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys
    • G07C9/00309—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
    • G07C9/00174—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys
    • G07C9/00563—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys using personal physical data of the operator, e.g. finger prints, retinal images, voicepatterns
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R2325/00—Indexing scheme relating to vehicle anti-theft devices
    • B60R2325/10—Communication protocols, communication systems of vehicle anti-theft devices
    • B60R2325/101—Bluetooth
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
    • G07C9/00174—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys
    • G07C9/00309—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
    • G07C2009/00388—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks code verification carried out according to the challenge/response method
    • G07C2009/00404—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks code verification carried out according to the challenge/response method starting with prompting the lock
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
    • G07C9/00174—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys
    • G07C2009/00753—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated by active electrical keys
    • G07C2009/00769—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated by active electrical keys with data transmission performed by wireless means
    • G07C2009/00777—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated by active electrical keys with data transmission performed by wireless means by induction
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C2209/00—Indexing scheme relating to groups G07C9/00 - G07C9/38
    • G07C2209/60—Indexing scheme relating to groups G07C9/00174 - G07C9/00944
    • G07C2209/63—Comprising locating means for detecting the position of the data carrier, i.e. within the vehicle or within a certain distance from the vehicle
    • G07C2209/65—Comprising locating means for detecting the position of the data carrier, i.e. within the vehicle or within a certain distance from the vehicle using means for sensing the user's hand

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a circuit arrangement for selective switching signal generation. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method for the selective generation of a switching signal, in particular for the control of functional components of a motor vehicle.
  • the invention has for its object to provide solutions that make it possible to generate in a system that can be actuated by a plurality of switching devices switching signals relevant for the coordination of switching operations in an advantageous manner.
  • a plurality of switching devices are provided, wherein the switching devices are configured such that in interaction with a touch of the same signal sequences or signals are generated with different information content. This makes it possible in particular, touch-selective -. by touching the selected switching device with the index finger - to cause the signal transmission.
  • the device signal is transmitted via the user to a central detection zone.
  • This central detection zone can be formed in an application in the motor vehicle, for example, by a vehicle steering wheel or a seat surface electrode - which is coupled to a corresponding signal evaluation device.
  • the device signal is preferably coupled to the user based on field-electrical interaction effects.
  • the device signal advantageously contains a data telegram.
  • the data message can serve on the one hand to identify the switching device, on the other hand, it can also contain information about the type of operation of the switching device. It is possible to provide zones at the switching device which supply different information inputs into the switching signal generated by means of the switching device. So it is possible, eg for a temperature control on the switching device to provide a graphically, in particular color-coded switching area, wherein in the switching area location-dependent, for example, from left to right changing signal contents are included in the device signal. These signal contents can be contained as a data telegram, high-frequency in the device signal, or be defined, for example, by a pulse interval of these device signals.
  • the device signal depends on the actuation, i. the rotation of the knob of the switching device is determined and generated.
  • the device signal generated in response to the rotation of the knob may be transmitted to the user during operation of the button as part of the physical contact therewith.
  • the switching signal can then be generated as a function of whether the key device is present in the area of the user and / or provides defined signal patterns.
  • the system may be constructed such that when the switch is touched by the user to the switch means, a vibratory system is coupled thereto (by the switch means), and means are provided for detecting whether the user is coupled to that oscillatable system and depending on whether it is determined that a coupling state exists with the oscillatory system, the switching signal is generated.
  • the oscillatory system is preferably capacitively coupled to the user via a sufficiently intense contact or sufficiently close electrode device.
  • a signal event is coupled capacitively to the user, and the switching signal is generated as a function of an event absorption capacity.
  • the switching device can in this case form a modulated signal sink.
  • the modulation of the sink can be switch specific.
  • the modulation of the sink can be effected as a function of a signal content of the signal event coupled into the user.
  • a switching system for providing switching signals in which those switching signals are generated depending on whether a switching device is selectively actuated by a user, this system being characterized in that the switching device is designed such that as part of the actuation of the switching device into the user, a device signal is coupled and transmitted by the user to a detection zone, and the detection zone is coupled to a switching signal generator which is configured to generate the switching signal based on the device input terminal of the user.
  • the switching device preferably has at least one switching contact zone. This makes it possible to generate a signal indicative of a desired switching state change.
  • the switching device may also have a plurality of switching contact zones. This makes it possible to generate switching signals that allow, for example, a switching state selection in a setting range.
  • the switching device can sensor surfaces or manually operable switching means such. Having rotary knobs wherein depending on the manual operation of the switching means that manual
  • Operation invoice-bearing device signals can be generated and coupled into the user.
  • the switching device can be attached for example in the form of plug-in or adhesive switching means with integrated coding circuits in the dashboard area or on a shift lever.
  • the invention also extends to a switching system for providing switching signals in which those switching signals are generated in dependence on whether a switching device provided in the region of a user environment is selectively actuated by a user who is characterized in that the switching device is designed in such a way that in that, as part of the actuation of the switching device, a device signal is coupled into the user and transmitted to a detection zone by the user, and the detection zone is coupled to a switching signal generator which generates the switching signal on the basis of the device input terminal coupled to the user.
  • the user or operator can be identified by this is included on a seat in the switching system.
  • weak signals must be routed into the seat via the switch, the (pointing) fingers and the body of the operator. This is advantageously done capacitively with AC signals.
  • a switch or sensor button at a port is connected to a signal source that feeds a kilohertz frequency into it.
  • a signal source that feeds a kilohertz frequency into it.
  • a conductive surface that can receive the signal when it touches the switch and thus transmits the signal (capacitive) via his finger on his skin (so-called body bridge). This then forms the capacitive counter surface to the seat.
  • An existing in the seat heating foil can be used for example as a receiving surface.
  • a receiver connected thereto detects the thus fed signal.
  • the switch also fulfills its intended function.
  • An inventive particularly advantageous way to identify the operator is to include him and his sitting position in the switching process.
  • weak signals are routed into the seat via the switch, the fingers (pointing) and the operator's body. This is done capacitively with AC signals.
  • a switch or sensor button is connected at a port to a signal source which feeds a kilohertz frequency into it.
  • a signal source which feeds a kilohertz frequency into it.
  • a conductive surface that can receive the signal when it touches the switch and thus transmits the signal (capacitive) via his finger on his skin (so-called body bridge). This then forms the capacitive counter surface to the seat.
  • An existing in the seat heating foil can be used for example as a receiving surface.
  • a receiver connected thereto detects the thus fed signal.
  • the switch also fulfills its intended function.
  • the generator signal is applied to a conductive surface, e.g. led in the dashboard.
  • FIG. 3 To. FIG. 3:
  • An area of a car dashboard is provided with a conductive foil from the underside.
  • several of the above-described functional encoders are mounted, e.g. magnetic or glued on.
  • the encoders all have different identification numbers.
  • the "body bridge” is closed again by the operator and evaluated by the receiver via its seat.
  • a receiver is also connected to the passenger seat, e.g. the operation of function switches on the center console, such as for light, heating, seat adjustment, etc. assigned to the respective operator (driver or front passenger). In addition to the low installation costs so switches are saved and increased comfort.
  • the approach of a hand can be detected even before the actual operation of the sensor, because it absorbs the "aura" of the frequency electric field of the foil, which is fed by the generator. This can be used, for example, to illuminate the corresponding spot on the dashboard.
  • the seat occupancy can be determined to turn off, for example, unoccupied passenger seat whose airbag.
  • the generator frequency can also be used only as a "supply" for the sensor buttons, these can then provide a separate frequency when touched is modulated with the identification code.
  • the sensor buttons can also be operated with gloves. The switching state of the function buttons can be displayed in the field of vision of the driver.
  • the function buttons are freely and individually positionable in the area of the feed foil, also a positioning on the steering wheel is possible, if this is acted upon with the feed frequency.
  • Temporary service buttons can be used by the workshops.
  • the signal direction can also be reversed; For example, different frequencies can be output from the seats and directed to a single receiver by touching them via the function buttons and the dashboard. The differentiation of the operator then takes place via the feed frequency.
  • a headrest can always set the correct distance to the back of the head, if the aforementioned "aura" is used for this purpose.
  • a sales shelf can be charged with such function buttons.
  • a customer touches such a button his identification number is passed through the customer to a film placed in the ground, and an electronic product presentation can be made, such as by displaying a film on the product on a display surface.
  • the operation of such a function button via the mobile phone of the operating consumer equipped with a corresponding receiver
  • a signaling and lighting system with this technology can significantly reduce the wiring effort.
  • LC resonant circuits can significantly increase the level at the feed and / or function buttons.
  • the switching system according to the invention makes it possible, e.g. the selection of the gear ratio (e.g., in a Tiptronic circuit) to be permitted only by a person sitting in the driver's seat and possibly carrying a mobile key device.
  • the gear ratio e.g., in a Tiptronic circuit
  • here is e.g. formed on a gear lever, a signal transmission surface, which allows for contact with the driver's palm - over the body of the driver, a data transfer between the mobile key device and another on-board signal processing device.
  • the mobile key device which is preferably provided in combination with the system according to the invention, can also transmit data that can be used, for example, for user-specific configuration of the vehicle equipment. It is thus possible, for example, to output a user-specific identifier or even complete configuration data via the mobile key device, so that, for example, the driver's seat, the mirrors and further pages the user's preferred settings on the vehicle are brought about automatically.
  • the mobile key device can also be used to transmit a dataset for guiding an electronic logbook or for determining travel costs to or from a vehicle-side signal processing device.
  • buttons in the vehicle interior via which a signal transfer between the mobile key device and the vehicle-side signal processing device can be performed.
  • buttons in the area of a vehicle center console it becomes possible on the basis of the optionally occurring signal coupling of the signals generated by the mobile key device into the button to check whether the buttons were actuated by the authorized user or, for example, by an unauthorized passenger. It is also possible to check by means of the signal input from which driver / passenger an actuation of the buttons takes place. It is possible e.g. for driving an electric window in the area of the center console to provide a switch surface, wherein upon touching the switch surface by the driver, the driver side window, and when touching the same switch surface by the passenger, the passenger side window is controlled.
  • an electrode is preferably provided in the seat surface, for example in the form of a conductive, flexible fabric insert, via which seat-specific signals are coupled into the respective seat user.
  • Parental controls can also be implemented using this concept.
  • Coupling signal that can be supplied via the seat electrode for further signal processing. Even in these systems, the body of the driver / seat occupant forms part of the signal transmission path.

Abstract

The invention relates to a circuit for selectively producing switching signals, in particular signals used for locking vehicle doors, a vehicle provided with said circuit, a system and method for protecting areas of risk and a system, components and method for hermetically transferring validated data. For automotive engineering, it is desired that certain switching processes in or outside the vehicle like the opening of a door, the actuation of a start button or the activation of a parking brake be carried out exclusively by a driver. The aim of said invention is to develop the solutions which make it possible to advantageously produce distinctive signals for coordinating a switching process. For this purpose, the inventive method for generating switching signals consists in producing said signals according to the selective activation of a switching device by a user. The inventive circuit is characterized in that the device signal is emitted towards the user and is transmitted by the user during the actuation of the switching device. The switching signal is produced by said device.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Schaltungsanordnung zur selektiven Schaltsignalgenerierung. Weiterhin betrifft die Erfindung auch ein Verfahren zur selektiven Generierung eines Schaltsignals insbesondere zur Ansteuerung von Funktionskomponenten eines Kraftfahrzeugs.The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for selective switching signal generation. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method for the selective generation of a switching signal, in particular for the control of functional components of a motor vehicle.

Aus US-A-5811897 ist ein Verfahren zur Bereitstellung von Schaltsignalen bekannt bei welchem im Rahmen der Betätigung einer Schalteinrichtung in den Anwender ein elektrisches Signal eingekoppelt wird.Out US-A-5811897 a method for the provision of switching signals is known in which in the context of the operation of a switching device in the user an electrical signal is coupled.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, Lösungen bereitzustellen, die es ermöglichen, bei einem System das mehrere von einem Anwender betätigbare Schalteinrichtungen umfasst die zur Koordination von Schaltabläufen maßgebliche Schaltsignale auf vorteilhafte Weise zu generieren.The invention has for its object to provide solutions that make it possible to generate in a system that can be actuated by a plurality of switching devices switching signals relevant for the coordination of switching operations in an advantageous manner.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch ein Verfahren mit den in Patentanspruch 1 angegebenen Merkmalen gelöst.This object is achieved by a method having the features specified in claim 1.

Dadurch wird es auf vorteilhafte Weise möglich, funktionell frei belegbare Schalteinrichtungen an gewünschter, ergonomisch vorteilhafter Stelle anzuordnen und hierbei ein den jeweiligen Anforderungen verbessert Rechnung tragendes Bedienumfeld zu schaffen. In vorteilhafter Weise ergibt sich gegenüber herkömmlichen Konzepten ein deutlich verminderter Verkabelungsaufwand. Vorzugsweise sind mehrere Schalteinrichtungen vorgesehen, wobei die Schalteinrichtungen derart konfiguriert sind, dass im Zusammenspiel mit einer Berührung derselben Signalsequenzen oder Signale mit unterschiedlichem Informationsinhalt generiert werden. Hierdurch wird es insbesondere möglich, tastselektiv - z.B. durch Berührung der ausgewählten Schalteinrichtung mit dem Zeigefinger - die Signalübertragung zu veranlassen.This makes it possible in an advantageous manner, functionally freely assignable switching devices to arrange the desired, ergonomically advantageous place and this to create a particular requirements improved bill supporting operating environment. Advantageously, compared to conventional concepts results in a significantly reduced cabling. Preferably, a plurality of switching devices are provided, wherein the switching devices are configured such that in interaction with a touch of the same signal sequences or signals are generated with different information content. This makes it possible in particular, touch-selective -. by touching the selected switching device with the index finger - to cause the signal transmission.

Vorzugsweise wird das Einrichtungssignal über den Anwender zu einer zentralen Erfassungszone übertragen. Diese zentrale Erfassungszone kann bei einer Anwendung im Kraftfahrzeug beispielsweise durch ein Fahrzeuglenkrad oder eine Sitzflächenelektrode gebildet sein - die mit einer entsprechenden Signalauswertungseinrichtung gekoppelt ist.Preferably, the device signal is transmitted via the user to a central detection zone. This central detection zone can be formed in an application in the motor vehicle, for example, by a vehicle steering wheel or a seat surface electrode - which is coupled to a corresponding signal evaluation device.

Das Einrichtungssignal wird vorzugsweise auf Grundlage feldelektrischer Wechselwirkungseffekte in den Anwender eingekoppelt.The device signal is preferably coupled to the user based on field-electrical interaction effects.

Das Einrichtungssignal enthält in vorteilhafter Weise ein Datentelegramm. Das Datentelegramm kann einerseits der Identifizierung der Schalteinrichtung dienen, andererseits kann es auch Informationen über die Art der Betätigung der Schalteinrichtung enthalten. Es ist möglich, an der Schalteinrichtung Zonen vorzusehen die unterschiedliche Informationsinputs in das mittels der Schalteinrichtung generierte Schaltsignal liefern. So ist es möglich, z.B. für eine Temperatursteuerung an der Schalteinrichtung einen graphisch, insbesondere farblich markierten Schaltbereich vorzusehen, wobei in dem Schaltbereich ortsabhängig z.B. sich von links nach rechts ändernde Signalinhalte in dem Einrichtungssignal enthalten sind. Diese Signalinhalte können als Datentelegramm, hochfrequent in dem Einrichtungssignal enthalten sein, oder beispielsweise auch durch einen Pulsabstand dieser Einrichtungssignale definiert sein.The device signal advantageously contains a data telegram. The data message can serve on the one hand to identify the switching device, on the other hand, it can also contain information about the type of operation of the switching device. It is possible to provide zones at the switching device which supply different information inputs into the switching signal generated by means of the switching device. So it is possible, eg for a temperature control on the switching device to provide a graphically, in particular color-coded switching area, wherein in the switching area location-dependent, for example, from left to right changing signal contents are included in the device signal. These signal contents can be contained as a data telegram, high-frequency in the device signal, or be defined, for example, by a pulse interval of these device signals.

Es ist möglich, im Bereich der Schalteinrichtung einen Drehknopf vorzusehen, so dass das Einrichtungssignal in Abhängigkeit von der Betätigung, d.h. der Drehung des Drehknopfes der Schalteinrichtung determiniert und generiert wird. Das in Abhängigkeit von der Drehung des Drehknopfes generierte Einrichtungssignal kann während der Betätigung des Knopfes im Rahmen des hierbei bestehenden Berührungskontakt über den Anwender übertragen werden.It is possible to provide a knob in the area of the switching device so that the device signal depends on the actuation, i. the rotation of the knob of the switching device is determined and generated. The device signal generated in response to the rotation of the knob may be transmitted to the user during operation of the button as part of the physical contact therewith.

Es ist möglich, über eine anwenderseitig körpernah getragene Schlüsseleinrichtung weiteren Einfluss auf die Schaltsignalgenerierung zunehmen, insbesondere indem ein Schlüsselsignal generiert wird, das ebenfalls in den Anwender eingekoppelt wird.It is possible to further influence on the switching signal generation by means of a key device carried by the wearer close to the body, in particular by generating a key signal which is likewise coupled into the user.

Das Schaltsignal kann dann in Abhängigkeit davon generiert werden, ob eine die Schlüsseleinrichtung im Bereich des Anwenders vorhanden ist und/oder definierte Signalmuster bereitstellt. So ist es möglich, bestimmte Schaltsignale nur dann zu generieren, wenn der Anwender sich in einem definierten Bereich, z.B. auf dem Fahrzeugsitz befindet und dieser zudem eine Schlüsseleinrichtung - beispielsweise in Form einer scheckkartenartigen Karte - bei sich trägt.The switching signal can then be generated as a function of whether the key device is present in the area of the user and / or provides defined signal patterns. Thus, it is possible to generate certain switching signals only when the user is in a defined area, e.g. is on the vehicle seat and this also carries a key device - for example in the form of a check card-like card - in itself.

Es ist möglich, auf dieser Schlüsseleinrichtung eine Signalzwischenverarbeitung durchzuführen, so dass zumindest ein Teil der seitens der Schalteinrichtungen in den Anwender eingekoppelten Einrichtungssignale im Bereich der Schlüsseleinrichtung verarbeitet werden und die hierbei ermittelten Auswertungsresultate Eingang in ein seitens der Schlüsseleinrichtung ausgegebenes, z.B. über eine Sitzflächen- oder Lenkradelektrode abgegriffenes Datentelegramm finden.It is possible to perform signal interprocessing on this key device, so that at least a part of the device signals coupled into the user by the switching devices are processed in the area of the key device and the evaluation results determined in this way are input to a keyed output, e.g. find a data telegram tapped off via a seat surface or steering wheel electrode.

Das System kann derart aufgebaut sein, dass bei Berührung der Schalteinrichtung durch den Anwender an diesen (durch die Schalteinrichtung) ein schwingungsfähiges System angekoppelt wird, und dass Mittel vorgesehen sind durch die feststellbar ist, ob der Anwender mit jenem schwingungsfähigen System gekoppelt ist, und dass in Abhängigkeit davon, ob festgestellt wird, dass ein Kopplungszustand mit dem schwingungsfähigen System besteht, das Schaltsignal generiert wird.The system may be constructed such that when the switch is touched by the user to the switch means, a vibratory system is coupled thereto (by the switch means), and means are provided for detecting whether the user is coupled to that oscillatable system and depending on whether it is determined that a coupling state exists with the oscillatory system, the switching signal is generated.

Das schwingungsfähige System wird hierbei vorzugsweise über einen hinreichend intensiven Berührungskontakt oder hinreichend körpernahe Elektrodeneinrichtung auf kapazitivem Wege mit dem Anwender gekoppelt.In this case, the oscillatory system is preferably capacitively coupled to the user via a sufficiently intense contact or sufficiently close electrode device.

Vorzugsweise wird in den Anwender auf kapazitivem Wege ein Signalereignis eingekoppelt, und in Abhängigkeit von einem Ereignisabsorptionsvermögen das Schaltsignal generiert. Die Schalteinrichtung kann hierbei eine modulierte Signalsenke bilden. Die Modulation der Senke kann schalteinrichtungsspezifisch erfolgen. Weiterhin kann die Modulation der Senke in Abhängigkeit von einem Signalinhalt des in den Anwender eingekoppelten Signalereignis erfolgen.Preferably, a signal event is coupled capacitively to the user, and the switching signal is generated as a function of an event absorption capacity. The switching device can in this case form a modulated signal sink. The modulation of the sink can be switch specific. Furthermore, the modulation of the sink can be effected as a function of a signal content of the signal event coupled into the user.

Die eingangs angegebene Aufgabe wird weiterhin auch gelöst durch ein Schaltsystem zur Bereitstellung von Schaltsignalen bei weichem jene Schaltsignale in Abhängigkeit davon generiert werden, ob eine Schalteinrichtung durch einen Anwender selektiv betätigt wird, wobei sich dieses System dadurch auszeichnet, dass die Schalteinrichtung derart ausgebildet ist, dass im Rahmen der Betätigung der Schalteinrichtung in den Anwender ein Einrichtungssignal eingekoppelt und durch den Anwender zu einer Erfassungszone übertragen wird, und die Erfassungszone mit einem Schaltsignalgenerator gekoppelt ist der derart konfiguriert ist, dass dieser auf Grundlage des in den Anwender eingekoppelten Einrichtungssinals das Schaltsignal generiert.The object specified in the introduction is also achieved by a switching system for providing switching signals in which those switching signals are generated depending on whether a switching device is selectively actuated by a user, this system being characterized in that the switching device is designed such that as part of the actuation of the switching device into the user, a device signal is coupled and transmitted by the user to a detection zone, and the detection zone is coupled to a switching signal generator which is configured to generate the switching signal based on the device input terminal of the user.

Die Schalteinrichtung weist vorzugsweise wenigstens eine Schaltkontaktzone auf. Hierdurch wird es möglich, ein für eine gewünschte Schaltzustandsänderung indikatives Signal zu erzeugen. Die Schalteinrichtung kann auch mehrere Schaltkontaktzonen aufweisen. Hierdurch wird es möglich, Schaltsignale zu generieren, die beispielsweise eine Schaltzustandswahl in einem Einstellbereich ermöglichen.The switching device preferably has at least one switching contact zone. This makes it possible to generate a signal indicative of a desired switching state change. The switching device may also have a plurality of switching contact zones. This makes it possible to generate switching signals that allow, for example, a switching state selection in a setting range.

Die Schalteinrichtung kann Sensorflächen oder auch manuell betätigbare Schaltmittel wie z.B. Drehknöpfe aufweisen wobei in Abhängigkeit von der manuellen Betätigung der Schaltmittel jener manuellenThe switching device can sensor surfaces or manually operable switching means such. Having rotary knobs wherein depending on the manual operation of the switching means that manual

Betätigung Rechnung tragende Einrichtungssignale generiert und in den Anwender eingekoppelt werden können.Operation invoice-bearing device signals can be generated and coupled into the user.

Die Schalteinrichtung ist beispielsweise in Form von Steck- oder klebbaren Schaltmitteln mit integrierten Kodierschaltungen im Armaturenberettbereich oder auch an einem Schalthebel anbringbar.The switching device can be attached for example in the form of plug-in or adhesive switching means with integrated coding circuits in the dashboard area or on a shift lever.

Die Erfindung erstreckt sich weiterhin auch auf ein Schaltsystem zur Bereitstellung von Schaltsignalen bei welchem jene Schaltsignale in Abhängigkeit davon generiert werden, ob eine im Bereich eines Anwenderumfeldes vorgesehene Schalteinrichtung durch einen Anwender selektiv betätigt wird, die sich dadurch auszeichnet, dass die Schalteinrichtung derart ausgebildet ist, dass im Rahmen der Betätigung der Schalteinrichtung in den Anwender ein Einrichtungssignal eingekoppelt und durch den Anwender zu einer Erfassungszone übertragen wird, und die Erfassungszone mit einem Schaltsignalgenerator gekoppelt ist der derart konfiguriert ist, dass dieser auf Grundlage des in den Anwender eingekoppelten Einrichtungssinals das Schaltsignal generiert.The invention also extends to a switching system for providing switching signals in which those switching signals are generated in dependence on whether a switching device provided in the region of a user environment is selectively actuated by a user who is characterized in that the switching device is designed in such a way that in that, as part of the actuation of the switching device, a device signal is coupled into the user and transmitted to a detection zone by the user, and the detection zone is coupled to a switching signal generator which generates the switching signal on the basis of the device input terminal coupled to the user.

In vorteilhafter Weise kann hierbei der Anwender oder Bediener identifiziert werden indem dieser über eine Sitzfläche in das Schaltsystem einbezogen ist. Dazu müssen schwache Signale über den Schalter, den ihn betätigenden (Zeige-) Finger und den Körper des Bedieners in den Sitz geleitet werden. Dies geschieht in vorteilhafter Weise auf kapazitivem Wege mit Wechselspannungssignalen.Advantageously, in this case, the user or operator can be identified by this is included on a seat in the switching system. To do this, weak signals must be routed into the seat via the switch, the (pointing) fingers and the body of the operator. This is advantageously done capacitively with AC signals.

Beispielsweise ist ein Schalter oder Sensortaster an einem Anschluss mit einer Signalquelle verbunden, die eine Frequenz im Kilohertzbereich in diesen einspeist. Im Sitz des Bedieners befindet sich eine leitende Fläche, die das Signal aufnehmen kann, wenn dieser den Schalter berührt und damit das Signal (kapazitiv) über seinen Finger auf seine Haut überträgt (sog. Body-Bridge). Diese bildet dann die kapazitive Gegenfläche zum Sitz. Eine bereits im Sitz vorhandene Heizfolie kann beispielsweise als Empfangsfläche verwendet werden. Ein daran angeschlossener Empfänger detektiert das derart eingespeiste Signal. Der Schalter erfüllt außerdem seine bestimmungsgemäße Funktion.For example, a switch or sensor button at a port is connected to a signal source that feeds a kilohertz frequency into it. In the operator's seat is a conductive surface that can receive the signal when it touches the switch and thus transmits the signal (capacitive) via his finger on his skin (so-called body bridge). This then forms the capacitive counter surface to the seat. An existing in the seat heating foil can be used for example as a receiving surface. A receiver connected thereto detects the thus fed signal. The switch also fulfills its intended function.

Weitere Einzelheiten und Merkmale der oben angegebenen, jeweils für sich oder auch in Kombination miteinander verwirklichten Erfindungskomplexe ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung in Verbindung mit der Zeichnung. Es zeigt:

Figur 1
eine Schemadarstellung zu Erläuterung einer ersten Schaltungsvariante;
Figur 2
eine Schemadarstellung zu Erläuterung einer ersten Schaltungsvariante;
Figur 3
eine Schemadarstellung zu Erläuterung einer ersten Schaltungsvariante;
Further details and features of the above-given, each realized by themselves or in combination with each other invention complexes will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings. It shows:
FIG. 1
a schematic representation for explaining a first circuit variant;
FIG. 2
a schematic representation for explaining a first circuit variant;
FIG. 3
a schematic representation for explaining a first circuit variant;

Zu Figur 1 - einfaches FunktionsprinzipTo Figure 1 - simple operating principle

Ein erfindungsgemäß besonders vorteilhafter Weg, den Bediener zu identifizieren ist, ihn und seine Sitzposition in den Schaltvorgang mit einzubeziehen. Dazu werden schwache Signale über den Schalter, den ihn betätigenden (Zeige-) Finger und dem Körper des Bedieners in den Sitz geleitet. Dies geschieht auf kapazitivem Wege mit Wechselspannungssignalen.An inventive particularly advantageous way to identify the operator is to include him and his sitting position in the switching process. For this purpose, weak signals are routed into the seat via the switch, the fingers (pointing) and the operator's body. This is done capacitively with AC signals.

Ein Schalter oder Sensortaster ist an einem Anschluss mit einer Signalquelle verbunden, die eine Frequenz im Kilohertzbereich in diesen einspeist. Im Sitz des Bedieners befindet sich eine leitende Fläche, die das Signal aufnehmen kann, wenn dieser den Schalter berührt und damit das Signal (kapazitiv) über seinen Finger auf seine Haut überträgt (sog. Body-Bridge). Diese bildet dann die kapazitive Gegenfläche zum Sitz. Eine bereits im Sitz vorhandene Heizfolie kann beispielsweise als Empfangsfläche verwendet werden. Ein daran angeschlossener Empfänger detektiert das derart eingespeiste Signal. Der Schalter erfüllt außerdem seine bestimmungsgemäße Funktion.A switch or sensor button is connected at a port to a signal source which feeds a kilohertz frequency into it. In the operator's seat is a conductive surface that can receive the signal when it touches the switch and thus transmits the signal (capacitive) via his finger on his skin (so-called body bridge). This then forms the capacitive counter surface to the seat. An existing in the seat heating foil can be used for example as a receiving surface. A receiver connected thereto detects the thus fed signal. The switch also fulfills its intended function.

Zu Figur 2: - erweitertes FunktionsprinzipTo Figure 2: - extended functional principle

Um den (Verdrahtungs-) Aufwand zu reduzieren und den Einsatz mehrerer Sensor/Taster/Schalter zu differenzieren wird das Generatorsignal an eine leitende Fläche, z.B. im Armaturenbrett geführt. BeimIn order to reduce the (wiring) effort and to differentiate the use of multiple sensor / button / switches, the generator signal is applied to a conductive surface, e.g. led in the dashboard. At the

Berühren eines darüber angebrachten Sensors wird (über die Haut des Bedieners und die Sitzfolie) ein Wechselstromkreis geschlossen; im betreffenden Sensor wird die Wechselspannung gleichgerichtet und in einem Kondensator gespeichert. Mit dieser Gleichspannung wird ein Register, welches eine Identifizierungsnummer enthält, bitweise an einen elektronischen (high-side) Schalter geführt, der die Belastung des Wechselstromkreises verändert. Ein geeigneter Empfänger detektiert die Identifizierungsnummer und leitet diese weiter an das Steuergerät, welches den Schaltvorgang vornimmt.Touching an overlying sensor closes (across the skin of the operator and the seat foil) an AC circuit; in the relevant sensor, the AC voltage is rectified and stored in a capacitor. With this DC voltage, a register containing an identification number, bit by bit to an electronic (high-side) switch out, which changes the load on the AC circuit. A suitable receiver detects the identification number and forwards it to the control unit, which performs the switching operation.

Zu. Figur 3:To. FIG. 3:

Ein Bereich eines KFZ-Armaturenbretts wird von der Unterseite mit einer leitenden Folie versehen. Oberhalb dieser Fläche werden mehrere der zuvor beschriebenen Funktionsgeber angebracht, z.B. magnetisch oder aufgeklebt. Die Geber weisen alle unterschiedliche Identifizierungsnummern auf. Beim Berühren eines solchen Gebers wird wieder die "Body-Bridge" durch den Bediener geschlossen und über dessen Sitz vom Empfänger ausgewertet. Wenn am Beifahrersitz auch ein Empfänger angeschlossen wird, kann z.B. die Betätigung von Funktionsgebern auf der Mittelkonsole, etwa für Licht, Heizung, Sitzverstellung u.s.w. dem jeweiligen Bediener (Fahrer oder Beifahrer) zugeordnet werden. Neben dem geringen Installationsaufwand werden so auch Schalter eingespart und der Komfort erhöht.An area of a car dashboard is provided with a conductive foil from the underside. Above this surface, several of the above-described functional encoders are mounted, e.g. magnetic or glued on. The encoders all have different identification numbers. When touching such a sensor, the "body bridge" is closed again by the operator and evaluated by the receiver via its seat. If a receiver is also connected to the passenger seat, e.g. the operation of function switches on the center console, such as for light, heating, seat adjustment, etc. assigned to the respective operator (driver or front passenger). In addition to the low installation costs so switches are saved and increased comfort.

Praktische Nebeneffekte und weitere VorteilePractical side effects and other benefits

Die Annäherung einer Hand kann schon vor der eigentlichen Sensorbetätigung detektiert werden, denn diese nimmt die "Aura" des frequenten elektrischen Feldes der Folie auf, die durch den Generator gespeist wird. Dies kann beispielsweise dazu verwendet werden, die entsprechende Stelle auf dem Armaturenbrett zu beleuchten. Außerdem kann die Sitzbelegung festgestellt werden um z.B. bei unbesetzten Beifahrersitz dessen Airbag abzuschalten. Die Generatorfrequenz kann auch nur als "Speisung" für die Sensorknöpfe verwendet werden, diese können dann bei Berührung eine eigene Frequenz bereitstellen die mit dem Identifizierungscode moduliert ist. Die Sensorknöpfe können auch mit Handschuhen bedient werden. Der Schaltzustand der Funktionsknöpfe kann im Sichtbereich des Fahrers dargestellt werden. Die Funktionsknöpfe sind im Bereich der Einspeisefolie frei und individuell positionierbar, auch eine Positionierung am Lenkrad ist möglich, wenn dieses mit der Einspeisefrequenz beaufschlagt wird. Temporäre Serviceknöpfe können von den Werkstätten benutzt werden. Die Signal-Richtung kann auch umgekehrt werden; beispielsweise können von den Sitzflächen unterschiedliche Frequenzen ausgegeben und durch Berührung über die Funktionsknöpfe und das Armaturenbrett an einen einzigen Empfänger geleitet werden. Die Differenzierung der Bediener erfolgt dann über die Einspeisefrequenz.The approach of a hand can be detected even before the actual operation of the sensor, because it absorbs the "aura" of the frequency electric field of the foil, which is fed by the generator. This can be used, for example, to illuminate the corresponding spot on the dashboard. In addition, the seat occupancy can be determined to turn off, for example, unoccupied passenger seat whose airbag. The generator frequency can also be used only as a "supply" for the sensor buttons, these can then provide a separate frequency when touched is modulated with the identification code. The sensor buttons can also be operated with gloves. The switching state of the function buttons can be displayed in the field of vision of the driver. The function buttons are freely and individually positionable in the area of the feed foil, also a positioning on the steering wheel is possible, if this is acted upon with the feed frequency. Temporary service buttons can be used by the workshops. The signal direction can also be reversed; For example, different frequencies can be output from the seats and directed to a single receiver by touching them via the function buttons and the dashboard. The differentiation of the operator then takes place via the feed frequency.

Anwendungsbeispieleapplications

Die Freigabe einer elektrischen Handbremse kann nur durch den Fahrer erfolgen. Eine Kopfstütze kann immer den richtigen Abstand zum Hinterkopf einstellen, wenn die zuvor erwähnte "Aura" hierzu verwendet wird. Ein Verkaufsregal kann mit solchen Funktionsknöpfen beaufschlagt werden. Berührt ein Kunde einen solchen Knopf, so wird dessen Identifikationsnummer über den Kunden an eine, im Boden untergebrachten Folie geleitet, und es kann eine elektronische Produktpräsentation erfolgen, etwa indem auf einer Darstellungsfläche ein Film über das Produkt gezeigt wird. Auch könnte die Betätigung eines solchen Funktionsknopfes über das Handytelefon des betätigenden Konsumenten (mit einem entsprechenden Empfänger ausgestattet) an ein Portal weitergeleitet werden. In Flugzeugen kann ein Melde- und Lichtsystem mit dieser Technik den Verdrahtungsaufwand erheblich reduzieren.The release of an electric handbrake can only be done by the driver. A headrest can always set the correct distance to the back of the head, if the aforementioned "aura" is used for this purpose. A sales shelf can be charged with such function buttons. When a customer touches such a button, his identification number is passed through the customer to a film placed in the ground, and an electronic product presentation can be made, such as by displaying a film on the product on a display surface. Also, the operation of such a function button via the mobile phone of the operating consumer (equipped with a corresponding receiver) could be forwarded to a portal. In aircraft, a signaling and lighting system with this technology can significantly reduce the wiring effort.

Verbesserte WechselspannungsspeisungImproved AC power supply

Durch LC-Resonanzkreise kann der Pegel bei der Einspeisung und/oder in den Funktionsknöpfen beträchtlich erhöht werden.LC resonant circuits can significantly increase the level at the feed and / or function buttons.

Durch das erfindungsgemäße Schaltsystem wird es möglich, z.B. die Auswahl der Getriebeübersetzung (z.B. bei einer Tiptronic-Schaltung) nur durch eine Person zuzulassen, die auf dem Fahrersitz sitzt und ggf. eine mobile Schlüsseleinrichtung trägt. Insbesondere hierbei ist z.B. an einem Ganghebel eine Signalübertragungsfläche ausgebildet, die bei Berührungskontakt mit der Handfläche des Fahrers - über den Körper des Fahrers einen Datentransfer zwischen der mobilen Schlüsseleinrichtung und einer weiteren fahrzeugseitigen Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung ermöglicht.The switching system according to the invention makes it possible, e.g. the selection of the gear ratio (e.g., in a Tiptronic circuit) to be permitted only by a person sitting in the driver's seat and possibly carrying a mobile key device. In particular, here is e.g. formed on a gear lever, a signal transmission surface, which allows for contact with the driver's palm - over the body of the driver, a data transfer between the mobile key device and another on-board signal processing device.

Die vorzugsweise in Kombination mit dem erfindungsgemäßen System vorgesehene mobile Schlüsseleinrichtung kann auch Daten übertragen, die beispielsweise zur benutzerindividuellen Konfiguration der Fahrzeugausstattung herangezogen werden können. So ist es beispielsweise möglich, über die mobile Schlüsseleinrichtung eine benutzerspezifische Kennung oder auch vollständige Konfigurationsdaten auszugeben, so dass beispielsweise der Fahrersitz, die Spiegel und weitere seitens des Anwenders bevorzugte Einstellungen am Fahrzeug selbsttätig herbeigeführt werden.The mobile key device, which is preferably provided in combination with the system according to the invention, can also transmit data that can be used, for example, for user-specific configuration of the vehicle equipment. It is thus possible, for example, to output a user-specific identifier or even complete configuration data via the mobile key device, so that, for example, the driver's seat, the mirrors and further pages the user's preferred settings on the vehicle are brought about automatically.

Über die mobile Schlüsseleinrichtung kann auch ein Datensatz zur Führung eines elektronischen Fahrtenbuches, oder zur Fahrtkostenbestimmung zu - oder von einer fahrzeugseitigen Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung übertragen werden.The mobile key device can also be used to transmit a dataset for guiding an electronic logbook or for determining travel costs to or from a vehicle-side signal processing device.

Es ist möglich, im Fahrzeuginnenbereich Schaltflächen vorzusehen, über die ein Signaltransfer zwischen der mobilen Schlüsseleinrichtung und der fahrzeugseitigen Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung ausgeführt werden kann. Insbesondere für Schaltflächen im Bereich einer Fahrzeugmittelkonsole wird es möglich anhand der ggf. erfolgenden Signaleinkoppelung der durch die mobile Schlüsseleinrichtung generierten Signale in die Schaltfläche, zu überprüfen, ob die Schaltflächen vom autorisierten Nutzer oder z.B von einem nichtautorisierten Beifahrer betätigt wurden. Es ist auch möglich im Wege der Signaleinkoppelung zu überprüfen von welchem Fahrer/Fahrgast eine Betätigung der Schaltflächen erfolgt. Es ist möglich z.B. zur Ansteuerung eines elektrischen Fensterhebers im Bereich der Mittelkonsole eine Schalterfläche vorzusehen, wobei bei Berührung der Schalterfläche durch den Fahrer das fahrerseitige Fenster, und bei Berührung derselben Schalterfläche durch den Beifahrer, das beifahrerseitige Fenster angesteuert wird.It is possible to provide buttons in the vehicle interior, via which a signal transfer between the mobile key device and the vehicle-side signal processing device can be performed. In particular for buttons in the area of a vehicle center console, it becomes possible on the basis of the optionally occurring signal coupling of the signals generated by the mobile key device into the button to check whether the buttons were actuated by the authorized user or, for example, by an unauthorized passenger. It is also possible to check by means of the signal input from which driver / passenger an actuation of the buttons takes place. It is possible e.g. for driving an electric window in the area of the center console to provide a switch surface, wherein upon touching the switch surface by the driver, the driver side window, and when touching the same switch surface by the passenger, the passenger side window is controlled.

Zur Unterscheidung von welchem Fahrer/Fahrgastplatz aus eine Schalt- oder Schalterfläche bedient wird ist es auch möglich, unabhängig von der mobilen Schlüsseleinrichtung in den jeweiligen Fahrgast ein Signal einzukoppeln, das eine Unterscheidung ermöglicht. Diese Signaleinkoppelung kann insbesondere über die Sitzfläche erfolgen. Hierzu ist in der Sitzfläche vorzugsweise eine Elektrode - beispielsweise in Form einer leitfähigen, flexiblen Gewebeeinlage - vorgesehen, über die sitzplatzspezifische Signale in den jeweiligen Sitzplatznutzer eingekoppelt werden. Über dieses Konzept lassen sich insbesondere auch Kindersicherungen realisieren.In order to distinguish which driver / passenger seat from a switch or switch surface is operated, it is also possible, regardless of the mobile key device in the respective passenger to couple a signal that allows a distinction. This Signaleinkoppelung can be done in particular on the seat. For this purpose, an electrode is preferably provided in the seat surface, for example in the form of a conductive, flexible fabric insert, via which seat-specific signals are coupled into the respective seat user. Parental controls can also be implemented using this concept.

Es ist möglich, den Signaltransfer über den Sitzplatznutzer so abzuwickeln, dass dieser vom Sitzplatz zu der jeweils berührten Schalt- oder Schalterfläche fließt. Es ist auch möglich, über die Schalt- oder Schalterflächen in den Sitzplatznutzer ein SchalterspezifischesIt is possible to handle the signal transfer via the seat user so that it flows from the seat to the respective touched switching or switch surface. It is also possible, via the switch or switch surfaces in the seat user a switch specific

Signal einzukoppeln, das über die Sitzflächenelektrode einer weiteren Signalverarbeitung zugeführt werden kann. Auch bei diesen Systemen bildet der Körper des Fahrers/Sitzplatznutzers ein Teil der Signalübertragungsstrecke. Coupling signal that can be supplied via the seat electrode for further signal processing. Even in these systems, the body of the driver / seat occupant forms part of the signal transmission path.

Claims (16)

  1. A method for the provision of switching signals in a system comprising of several switch devices, whereby the switching signals are generated depending on whether a switch device is actuated selectively by a user, whereby within the framework of actuation of the switch device a unidirectional signal is coupled with the user and transmitted by the user, and the switching signal is generated on the basis of the unidirectional signal coupled with the user whereby each switch device generates a switch device-specific unidirectional signal.
  2. A method in accordance with claim 1 and characterised by the fact that the unidirectional signal is transmitted via the user to a central registration zone.
  3. A method in accordance with claims 1 and 2 and characterised by the fact that the unidirectional signal is coupled with the user on the basis of field-electric interactive effects.
  4. A method in accordance with at least one of the claims 1 to 3 and characterised by the fact that the unidirectional signal contains a data telegram.
  5. A method in accordance with at least one of the claims 1 to 4 and characterised by the fact that the unidirectional signal is generated in dependence on the actuation of the switch device.
  6. A method in accordance with at least one of the claims 1 to 5 and characterised by the fact that a key device carried on the person of the user generates a key signal which is also coupled with the user.
  7. A method in accordance with at least one of the claims 1 to 6 and characterised by the fact that the switching signal is generated depending on whether the key device is in the proximity of the user and/or provides defined signal patterns.
  8. A method in accordance with at least one of the claims 1 to 7 and characterised by the fact the central registration takes place via a seat electrode.
  9. A method in accordance with at least one of the claims 1 to 8 and characterised by the fact that the seat electrode is integrated in a vehicle seat.
  10. A method in accordance with at least one of the claims 1 to 9 and characterised by the fact that when the user touches the switch device he is coupled with an oscillating system and that means are provided to establish whether the user is coupled with this oscillating system, and that the switching signal is generated depending on whether it is established that the user is coupled with the oscillating system.
  11. A method in accordance with at least one of the claims 1 to 10 and characterised by the fact the oscillating system is coupled with the user by capacitive means via a touch contact.
  12. A method in accordance with at least one of the claims 1 to 11 and characterised by the fact that a signal event is coupled with the user by capacitive means and that the switching signal is generated depending on the capacity to absorb an event.
  13. A method in accordance with at least one of the claims 1 to 12 and characterised by the fact the switch device forms a modulated signal sink.
  14. A method in accordance with at least one of the claims 1 to 13 and characterised by the fact that the modulation of the sink takes place on a switch device-specific basis.
  15. A method in accordance with at least one of the claims 1 to 14 and characterised by the fact that the modulation of the sink takes place depending on the signal content of the signal event coupled into the user.
  16. Circuit arrangement with several switch devices for execution of the method in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 15.
EP03750416A 2002-08-15 2003-08-18 Circuit for selectively producing switching signals Expired - Lifetime EP1530526B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (9)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE10238134 2002-08-15
DE2002138134 DE10238134A1 (en) 2002-08-15 2002-08-15 Car door locking system, includes reception system operated by contacting component of vehicle by carrier of mobile key unit
DE2003105341 DE10305341A1 (en) 2003-02-10 2003-02-10 Switching signal provision procedure e.g. for operating motor vehicle functional units, requires setting up signal for coupling into user within framework of actuating a switching device
DE10305342A DE10305342B4 (en) 2003-02-10 2003-02-10 Method and device for safeguarding hazardous areas
DE10305341 2003-02-10
DE10305342 2003-02-10
DE10315845 2003-04-08
DE2003115845 DE10315845B4 (en) 2003-04-08 2003-04-08 System, system components and method for processing a hermetically validatable data transfer
PCT/EP2003/009136 WO2004078536A2 (en) 2002-08-15 2003-08-18 Circuit for selectively producing switching signals, in particular signals used for locking vehicle doors, a vehicle provided with said circuit, a system and method for protecting areas of risk and a system, components and method for hermetically transferring validatable data

Publications (2)

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EP1530526A2 EP1530526A2 (en) 2005-05-18
EP1530526B1 true EP1530526B1 (en) 2008-10-15

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US (1) US8665077B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1530526B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE411205T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2003270089A1 (en)
DE (1) DE50310654D1 (en)
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EP1530526A2 (en) 2005-05-18
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US8665077B2 (en) 2014-03-04
ES2315523T3 (en) 2009-04-01
US20060261672A1 (en) 2006-11-23
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DE50310654D1 (en) 2008-11-27
WO2004078536A2 (en) 2004-09-16

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